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Boehringer Ingelheim and WHO Foundation Collaborate to Address Global Obesity Crisis

In a significant move to tackle one of the world's pressing health issues, Boehringer Ingelheim and the WHO Foundation announced a partnership today aimed at closing the gaps in obesity care and metabolic health over the next three years. This collaboration entails a generous contribution of $5 million from Boehringer Ingelheim to support various projects aimed at strengthening healthcare systems in low-resource settings.

In recent years, obesity has emerged as a critical global health challenge. Data from 2022 indicates that more than 2.5 billion adults and over 390 million children and adolescents worldwide are overweight or obese, with obesity prevalence more than doubling among adults since 1990. The urgency of addressing obesity is underscored by the related health conditions it often triggers, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, and liver complications.

The partnership aims to enhance the readiness of health systems to monitor and manage obesity effectively, as well as related metabolic disorders. The initiative seeks to facilitate integrated approaches that unite the healthcare sector with other relevant fields, ensuring that individuals living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are meaningfully included in political discussions focused on patient-centered care.

According to Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, tackling the vast and complex challenges associated with obesity and metabolic diseases requires a holistic approach that strengthens the foundations of care. "Through this collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, we will enable countries to translate scientific insights and global guidelines into integrated services that address the needs of populations. This partnership can also generate insights and practical models that promote progress well beyond the countries initially involved,” he said.

The WHO Foundation will support efforts to implement the WHO's 'Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity (2022-2030)', which was endorsed by WHO member states in 2022. This plan encourages countries to transition from commitment to implementation through evidence-based actions, country ownership, and systemic changes.

Shashank Deshpande, a member of Boehringer Ingelheim’s executive management team, emphasized that effectively combating obesity and its related metabolic disorders cannot be achieved in isolation. “It demands health systems that recognize their common determinants and ensure coordinated, long-term care. If approached correctly, this presents an opportunity for governments, health systems, and society,” he stated.

The collaboration builds upon the existing partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and the WHO Foundation, which initially focused on strengthening suicide prevention systems in North and South America. By connecting obesity care with the prevention and treatment of associated conditions, this new initiative aims to promote a more comprehensive approach to obesity and metabolic health.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that integrated and equitable care for chronic illnesses becomes a core component of resilient primary healthcare systems worldwide. This initiative signifies an important step toward offering more effective care solutions for those affected by obesity and its complex related conditions.

About the WHO Foundation

The WHO Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization based in Switzerland that mobilizes resources and builds partnerships to enhance global health. It collaborates with philanthropic organizations, businesses, and individuals to support the World Health Organization’s mission while maintaining its neutrality and independence.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in both human and animal health. As a leading industry investor in research and development, it focuses on creating innovative therapies aimed at improving and extending lives in areas with significant unmet medical needs. Since its inception in 1885, Boehringer has been independent and pursues a long-term perspective by embedding sustainability across its entire value chain. Approximately 54,300 employees operate in over 130 countries to foster a healthier and more sustainable future.